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Hypoactive sexual desire disorder, one of the most common sexual dysfunctions, refers to a
persistently low or nonexistent sexual desire. How “low sexual desire” is defined, however, is
problematic because it depends on the person’s sex and age, on cultural norms, as well as on the
relative desires of the individual and the partner. Again, the importance of dysfunction and
distress is critical. If neither partner is much interested in sex, for instance, the lack of interest
may not cause a problem. Hypoactive sexual desire disorder is often comorbid with other
psychological disorders, including mood disorders and problems with sexual arousal or sexual
pain (Donahey & Carroll, 1993). [5]
Sexual aversion disorder refers to an avoidance of sexual behavior caused by disgust or aversion
to genital contact. The aversion may be a phobic reaction to an early sexual experience or sexual
abuse, a misattribution of negative emotions to sex that are actually caused by something else, or
a reaction to a sexual problem such as erectile dysfunction (Kingsberg & Janata, 2003). [6]
Female sexual arousal disorder refers to persistent difficulties becoming sexually aroused or
sufficiently lubricated in response to sexual stimulation in women. The disorder may be
comorbid with hypoactive sexual desire or orgasmic disorder, or mood or anxiety disorders.
Male erectile disorder (sometimes referred to as “impotence”) refers to persistent and
dysfunctional difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection sufficient to complete sexual
activity. Prevalence rates vary by age, from about 6% of college-aged males to 35% of men in
their 70s. About half the men aged 40 to 70 report having problems getting or maintaining an
erection “now and then.”
Most erectile dysfunction occurs as a result of physiological factors, including illness, and the
use of medications, alcohol, or other recreational drugs. Erectile dysfunction is also related to
anxiety, low self-esteem, and general problems in the particular relationship. Assessment for
physiological causes of erectile dysfunction is made using a test in which a device is attached to
the man’s penis before he goes to sleep. During the night the man may have an erection, and if
he does the device records its occurrence. If the man has erections while sleeping, this provides
assurance that the problem is not physiological.